Multiple Antennas?

[jerneedog]

Hello all,

Just a few curious questions, seeing many CB users having dual antennas on their rigs and whatnot, can the same be done for scanners?

Would there be any benefits in doing something like this?

All I have right now, is one small outdoor antenna from Radio Shack that I'm using at home and I've been getting more signals and clearer signals too.

Also...what does a pre amp do?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Voyager]

Hello all,

Just a few curious questions, seeing many CB users having dual antennas on their rigs and whatnot, can the same be done for scanners?

Would there be any benefits in doing something like this?

Also...what does a pre amp do?

Yes, the same can be done for scanners. Using two antennas splits the signal in half from each, but if one antenna is in a null, the other may help by providing more than twice the signal (more than making up for any loss). Hence, there is a benefit to doing this. The same CAN be done with scanners with the same results. A pre-amp amplifies the signal allowing clearer reception, but it will also amplify undesired signals as well - causing more overload of the scanner. (more image reception, more interference from other electronics, etc).

Joe M.

 

[jerneedog]

Great...thanks for the info, that will be on my to do list for the near future.

 

[LarrySC]

A good antenna is better than using an amp any day. Dont use any antenna with a PL connector unless you insert a gold plated adp for "F" then figure on RG-6. The gold plated PL to F are on the market. Any antenna with "F" or "N" connector is even better. Good Luck, Larry

 

[jerneedog]

A good antenna is better than using an amp any day. Dont use any antenna with a PL connector unless you insert a gold plated adp for "F" then figure on RG-6. The gold plated PL to F are on the market. Any antenna with "F" or "N" connector is even better. Good Luck, Larry

Since I'm new to this...I'm not sure what these connectors are?
I have an outdoor antenna from Radio Shack which has an RF Adapter that allows me to connect the cable with a BNC connector at both ends.

Thanks so much for the info, everyone has been great about my newbie questions!

 

[Voyager]

A good antenna is better than using an amp any day. Dont use any antenna with a PL connector unless you insert a gold plated adp for "F" then figure on RG-6. The gold plated PL to F are on the market. Any antenna with "F" or "N" connector is even better. Good Luck, Larry

Both F connectors and RG-6 are 75 ohm. You are better off sticking with radio cable - 50 ohm - such as RG-8 and either BNC or N connectors.

Joe M.

 

[N_Jay]

Hello all,

Just a few curious questions, seeing many CB users having dual antennas on their rigs and whatnot, can the same be done for scanners?

Would there be any benefits in doing something like this?

Also...what does a pre amp do?

Yes, the same can be done for scanners. Using two antennas splits the signal in half from each, but if one antenna is in a null, the other may help by providing more than twice the signal (more than making up for any loss). Hence, there is a benefit to doing this. The same CAN be done with scanners with the same results. A pre-amp amplifies the signal allowing clearer reception, but it will also amplify undesired signals as well - causing more overload of the scanner. (more image reception, more interference from other electronics, etc).

Joe M.

Phased antennas (more than one connected together) are used to get gain and directionality to the radiated and recieved signal.

You most likely don't want the directionality, and the gain also narrows the bandwidth.

There is also quite a lot of calculations or experimetation to building the cable harness.

In general, this is NOT a good idea for a scanner listener.

As for the pre-amp issue, I would search here and read up all you can before spending any money.